High torque bolt

ABSTRACT

A bolt includes a main-bolt head, a threaded shaft, and a deformable-bolt head component. The main-bolt head has a recess. The threaded shaft extends from the main-bolt head. The threaded shaft has an external thread wrapped therearound. The deformable-bolt head component has an outer flange and an interior threaded bore. The outer flange of the deformable-bolt head component is coupled to the main-bolt head such that a relief space is formed between the deformable-bolt head component and the recess.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to bolts and more specificallyto high torque bolts with reinforced heads.

BACKGROUND

In many applications, it is desirable to have a threaded nut fastened ona threaded bolt that can withstand high torques and correspondingly highpreloads without the bolt/nut fastener failing (e.g., shearing orpopping off of the bolt head). Conventionally, a nut is fastened on athreaded shaft of the bolt, which applies a preload force to a joint.The joint typically includes two items (e.g., plates) being secured orbolted together by the bolt/nut fastener. The preload force causes thebolt shaft to stretch along its central axis and also holds and/or boltsitems together (e.g., by way of the bolt head and nut exerting opposingclamp forces on the items). However, the conventional use of nut andbolt fasteners concentrates the preload force at the point where theshaft meets the head of the bolt, which can be the weakest point of thebolt and most susceptible of failing. The present disclosure is directedto solving these and other problems by providing a high torque bolt withan improved head-shaft joint that permits the bolt/nut fastener to betorqued to apply relatively higher preload forces.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a boltincludes a main-bolt head, a threaded shaft, and a deformable-bolt headcomponent. The main-bolt head has a recess. The threaded shaft extendsfrom the main-bolt head. The threaded shaft has an external threadwrapped therearound. The deformable-bolt head component has an outerflange and an interior threaded bore. The outer flange of thedeformable-bolt head component is fixed to the main-bolt head such thata relief space is formed between the deformable-bolt head component andthe recess.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a boltincludes a main-bolt head, a threaded shaft, and a deformable-bolt headcomponent. The main-bolt head has (i) a front surface, (ii) an opposingback surface, (iii) an outer surface configured to be engaged by a toolto rotate the bolt about a central axis of the bolt shaft therebycausing the main-bolt head to move axially in a first direction towardsan object, and (iv) a recess in the front surface extending into themain-bolt head towards the opposing back surface. The threaded shaftextends from the main-bolt head at a head-shaft joint. The threadedshaft has an external thread wrapped therearound. The deformable-bolthead component has (i) a front surface configured to engage the objectthereby limiting axial movement of the deformable-bolt head component,(ii) an opposing back surface, (iii) an outer surface, (iv) an interiorthreaded bore forming at least a portion of a turn of an internal threadtherein, and (v) an outer flange. The interior threaded bore of thedeformable-bolt head component is threadingly coupled to the threadedshaft. The outer flange of the deformable-bolt head component isattached to the front surface of the main-bolt head such that a reliefspace is formed between the deformable-bolt head component and therecess. The relief space provides an area for the deformable-bolt headcomponent to deform into during installation of the bolt.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a method ofmaking a bolt includes providing a main-bolt head with a threaded shaftextending therefrom. The main- bolt head has a recess. A deformable-bolthead component having an outer flange and an interior threaded bore isprovided. The deformable-bolt head component is threaded onto thethreaded shaft such that a portion of the deformable-bolt head componentis positioned within the recess of the main-bolt head and until theouter flange engages a front surface of the main-bolt head, therebyforming a relief space between the deformable-bolt head component andthe recess.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a method ofsecuring a bolt to an object with a nut is provided. The bolt has athreaded shaft extending from a main-bolt head and a deformable-bolthead component coupled to the main-bolt head such that a relief space isformed between the main-bolt head and the deformable-bolt headcomponent. The method includes positioning the threaded shaft through anopening in the object such that a portion of the threaded shaftprotrudes from the opening. The nut is threaded onto the portion of thethreaded bolt shaft protruding from the opening by rotating the nut in afirst rotational direction, thereby causing the nut to move axially in afirst direction towards a first surface of the object. A front surfaceof the nut is caused to abut the first surface of the object and a frontsurface of the deformable-bolt head component is caused to abut a secondopposing surface of the object by: (i) continuing to thread the nut ontothe portion of the threaded bolt shaft, (ii) rotating the bolt in asecond opposing rotational direction, or (iii) a combination of (i) and(ii). With the front surface of the nut abutting the first surface ofthe object and with the front surface of the deformable-bolt headcomponent abutting the second opposing surface of the object, (a) afirst rotational torque is applied in the first rotational direction tothe nut, (b) a second rotational torque is applied in the secondrotational direction to the bolt, or (c) both (a) and (b). Theapplication of the first rotational torque, the application of thesecond rotational torque, or the application of both the first and thesecond rotational torques causes: (x) the main-bolt head to move axiallyin a second direction that is opposite the first direction, and (y) thedeformable-bolt head component to deform, thereby entering into therelief space formed between the deformable-bolt head component and themain-bolt head.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a method ofmaking a bolt having a reinforced head includes providing a main-bolthead with a threaded shaft extending therefrom. An angled collar ispositioned about the threaded shaft such that the angled collar engagesthe main-bolt head. The angled collar has an angled inner surface. Theangled collar is fixed to the main-bolt head, thereby forming a recessof the reinforced head. A deformable-bolt head component is threadedonto the threaded shaft (i) such that a portion of the deformable-bolthead component is positioned within the recess of the reinforced headand (ii) until an outer flange of the deformable-bolt head componentengages a front surface of the angled collar, thereby forming a reliefspace between the deformable-bolt head component and the recess.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a bolthaving a reinforced head includes a main-bolt head, an angled collar, athreaded shaft, and a deformable-bolt head component. The angled collarhas an angled inner surface. The angled collar is fixed to the main-bolthead such that the angled collar forms a recess of the reinforced head.The threaded shaft extends from the main-bolt head and through theangled collar. The threaded shaft has an external thread wrappedtherearound. The deformable-bolt head component has an outer flange andan interior threaded bore. The outer flange of the deformable-bolt headcomponent is fixed to the angled collar such that a relief space of thereinforced head is formed between the deformable-bolt head component andthe recess.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a bolthaving a reinforced head includes a main-bolt head, a collar, a threadedshaft, and a deformable-bolt head component. The collar is fixed to themain-bolt head such that the collar forms a recess of the reinforcedhead. The threaded shaft extends from the main-bolt head and through thecollar. The threaded shaft has an external thread wrapped therearound.The deformable-bolt head component has an outer flange and an interiorthreaded bore. The outer flange of the deformable-bolt head component iscoupled to the collar such that a relief space of the reinforced head isformed between the deformable-bolt head component and the recess.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure willbe explained in the following detailed description having reference tothe appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an exploded top perspective view of a bolt according to someimplementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is an exploded bottom perspective view of the bolt of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is an exploded front cross-sectional view of the bolt of FIG.1A;

FIG. 2A is an assembled top perspective view of the bolt of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is an assembled bottom perspective view of the bolt of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is an assembled front cross-sectional view of the bolt of FIG.2A;

FIG. 3A is a front cross-sectional view of the bolt of FIG. 2A looselypositioned through an object and loosely threadingly engaged with a nutprior to the nut being torqued according to some implementations of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a front cross-sectional view of the bolt of FIG. 3Athreadingly engaged with the nut such that the object is securedtherebetween and prior to the nut being torqued according to someimplementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C is a front cross-sectional view of the bolt of FIG. 3Athreadingly engaged with the nut after the nut is partially torqued suchthat a deformable-bolt head component of the bolt begins to deform; and

FIG. 3D is a front cross-sectional view of the bolt of FIG. 3Athreadingly engaged with the nut after the nut is fully torqued suchthat the deformable-bolt head component of the bolt is further deformed.

While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific implementations have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. Itshould be understood, however, that the present disclosure is notintended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, thepresent disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to FIGS. 1A-1C, a bolt 100 (e.g., a one-pieceself-reinforcing bolt) includes a main-bolt head 120, an angled collar130, a threaded shaft 140 extending from the main-bolt head 120, and adeformable-bolt head component 150. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the bolt100 is exploded or in a pre-assembled configuration where the angledcollar 130 and the deformable-bolt head component 150 are separated fromthe main-bolt head 120 and the threaded shaft 140. As shown in FIGS.2A-2C, the bolt 100 is in an assembled configuration where the angledcollar 130 and the deformable-bolt head component 150 are bothfixed/attached to the main-bolt head 120, thereby forming a reinforcedhead 110 of the bolt 100.

The bolt 100 can be made from one or more materials, such as, forexample, brass, steel, stainless steel (e.g., type 304 stainless steel,grade 2, super alloy), titanium, plastic, nylon, etc. The main-bolt head120, the angled collar 130, the threaded shaft 140, and thedeformable-bolt head component 150 are made from the same material(e.g., steel). Alternatively, the main-bolt head 120, the angled collar130, and the threaded shaft 140 are made from a first material that hasa first set of properties and the deformable-bolt head component 150 ismade from a second material that has a second set of properties that isdifferent than the first set of properties. For example, in suchalternatives, the second material may be relatively more ductile thanthe first material.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a height ofthe angled collar 130 can range from 10% of to 80% of a standard (e.g.,ASTM or SAE) bolt-head height; a height of the main-bolt head 120 plusthe height of the angled collar 130 can range from 10% of to 50 times astandard (e.g., ASTM or SAE) bolt-head height; and a height of thedeformable-bolt head component 150 can range from 0.5 turns of a threadto 95% of the height of the main-bolt head 120. The sizes of themain-bolt head 120 and the deformable-bolt head component 150 can beselected for a specific application (e.g., based on the desiredinstallation torque).

In some implementations, the height of the deformable-bolt headcomponent 150 equals the height of two internal threads 162 of theinterior threaded bore 160 of the deformable-bolt head component 150. Insome such implementations, the height of the angled collar 130 is thesame as, or about the same as, the height of the deformable-bolt headcomponent 150. In some such implementations, the height of an outerflange 170 (FIG. 1A) is between about twenty percent and abouttwenty-five percent of the height of the angled collar 130.

The main-bolt head 120 has a front surface 122 (FIGS. 1A-1C), anopposing back surface 124 (best shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A), and an outersurface 126 (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B). The outer surface 126 of themain-bolt head 120 is configured to be engaged by a tool (not shown) insome implementations of the present disclosure, such as, for example, atorque wrench, to rotate and/or hold the bolt 100 in relation to a nut200 (shown in FIGS. 3A-3D) causing the main-bolt head 120 to moveaxially in a direction of arrow A towards one or more objects 300 a, 300b (e.g., a plate) to be secured (e.g., bolted together between thereinforced head 110 of the bolt 100 and the nut 200). As best shown inFIG. 1A and 2A, the outer surface 126 of the main-bolt head 120 isshaped such that the main-bolt head 120 has a generally hexagonal outercross-section, but other shapes for the outer surface 126 arecontemplated (e.g., square, oval, triangle, rectangle, polygon, etc.)such that the tool can engage the bolt 100 in a non-rotational fashion(e.g., the tool can cause the bolt 100 to rotate relative to the nut 200and/or the tool can hold the bolt 100 and prevent the bolt 100 fromrotating relative to the nut 200).

In some implementations, the main-bolt head 120 is not engaged by a toolduring installation. Rather, in such alternative implementations, thenut 200 is engaged by the tool such that the nut is rotated relative tothe bolt 100. Further, in some implementations, the main-bolt head 120is engaged by a first tool and the nut 200 is engaged by a second toolsuch that the bolt 100 and/or the nut 200 are rotated relative to eachother. In such implementations, it is understood that the bolt 100and/or nut 200 can be rotated or held (e.g., prevented from beingrotated) such that relative rotation occurs causing the bolt 100 and thenut 200 to be fastened together.

The angled collar 130 (FIGS. 1A-1C) has a front surface 132 (FIGS. 1Band 1C), an opposing back surface 134 (best shown in FIG. 1A), an outersurface 136 (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B), and an angled inner surface 138(FIGS. 1B and 1C). The outer surface 136 of the angled collar 130 isconfigured to be engaged by the tool (not shown), in the same fashion asthe outer surface 126. As best shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the outersurface 136 of the angled collar 130 is shaped such that the angledcollar 130 has a generally hexagonal outer cross-section, but othershapes for the outer surface 136 are contemplated such that the tool canengage the bolt 100 in a non-rotational fashion (e.g., the tool cancause the bolt 100 to rotate relative to the nut 200, vice versa). Asbest shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the entirety of the outer surface 136 of theangled collar 130 is co-planar with the entirety of the outer surface126 of the main-bolt head 120 (i.e., about the entire circumference ofthe reinforced head 110).

The angled inner surface 138 of the collar 130 extends from the frontsurface 132 of the angled collar 130 towards the opposing back surface134 of the angled collar 130. Further, when the angled collar 130 isfixed/attached to the front surface 122 of the main-bolt head 120, theangled inner surface 138 of the angled collar 130 forms an annularinwardly tapered recess 139 of the reinforced head 110.

As best shown in FIG. 1C, the angled inner surface 138 and thus theinwardly tapered recess 139 is tapered with respect to vertical or acentral axis X_(c) of the bolt 100 at an angle, θ, of about 45 degrees.Alternatively, the angled inner surface 138 and the inwardly taperedrecess 139 can tapered with respect to vertical or the central axisX_(c) of the bolt 100 at an angle, θ, which is between about 0 degreesand about 90 degrees. More preferably, the angled inner surface 138 andthe inwardly tapered recess 139 are tapered with respect to vertical orthe central axis X_(c) of the bolt 100 at the angle, θ, which is betweenabout 30 degrees and about 75 degrees.

While the angled collar 130 and the main-bolt head 120 are shown asbeing two separate and distinct components of the bolt 100, it iscontemplated that the angled collar 130 and main-bolt head 120 can beone monolithic part. In such implementations, the inwardly taperedrecess 139 of the reinforced head 110 can be referred to herein as therecess of the main-bolt head 120.

The angled collar 130 has a height that is about twenty-five percent ofthe height of a standard bolt head (e.g., between about 0.05 inches andabout 0.25 inches, about 0.05 inches, about 0.07 inches, about 0.08inches, about 0.09 inches, about 0.1 inches, about 0.25 inches, etc.).In some implementations, the angled collar 130 has a height that isbetween about one percent and about twenty-five percent of a totalheight of the main-bolt head 120 plus the angled collar 130 (e.g., aboutone percent, about two percent, about five percent, about ten percent,about fifteen percent, about twenty percent, about twenty-five percent,etc.).

While the angled collar 130 is shown and described herein as having theangled inner surface 138 with a specific shape (e.g., a straighttaper/angle) that forms the inwardly tapered recess 139 with the shapeas shown in the figures (e.g., a conically shaped recess), in somealternative implementations, the inner surface of the collar can have avariety of other shapes and configurations such that the recess also hasa different shape and configuration. For example, the inner surface canhave a concave configuration (e.g., a scoop, a curved angle, a simplecurve, etc., or any combination thereof). In some such implementations,the concave configuration of the inner surface of the collar providesrelatively more space into which the deformable-bolt head component 150can deform/flow. For another example, the inner surface can have aconvex configuration (e.g., a bulge, an outwardly curved angle, aprotrusion, etc., or any combination thereof). In some suchimplementations, the convex configuration of the inner surface of thecollar provides relatively less space into which the deformable-bolthead component 150 can deform/flow. For another example, the innersurface can have any shape/configuration such that a recess is formed toprovide some amount of space into which the deformable-bolt headcomponent 150 can deform/flow during installation of the bolt 100.

The threaded shaft 140 is a cylindrical rod with an external thread 142wrapped therearound. While a certain sized thread having a thread pitchand a thread depth is shown, the external thread 142 can have any pitchand any depth. Further, while a certain length of the threaded shaft 140is shown, the threaded shaft 140 can have any length (e.g., betweenabout 0.25 inches or shorter and about 100 inches or longer). While thethreaded shaft 140 and the main-bolt head 120 are shown as being onemonolithic part, the threaded shaft 140 can be described as beingattached or coupled to the main-bolt head 120 at or along a head-shaftjoint, which is illustrated in FIG. 1C as imaginary/dashed line HSJ.

The deformable-bolt head component 150 has a central body portion 155(FIGS. 1A-1C) and the outer flange 170 (FIGS. 1A-1C). The central bodyportion 155 defines an interior threaded bore 160 (FIGS. 1A-1C) of thedeformable-bolt head component 150. The deformable-bolt head component150 has a front surface 152 (FIGS. 1B and 1C), an opposing back surface154 (FIGS. 1A and 1C), an outer surface 156 (FIGS. 1A-1C), an inclinedfront face 172 (FIGS. 1B and 1C), and an inclined rear face 174 (FIGS.1A and 1C). The central body portion 155 is generally defined as theportion of the deformable-bolt head component 150 that is between theouter flange 170 and the interior threaded bore 160 and between theinclined front face 172 and the inclined rear face 174. As described infurther detail below, the central body portion 155 deforms and/orplasticizes during installation of the bolt 100. According to someimplementations of the present disclosure, a lubricant (e.g., oils,WD40, Teflon, etc.) can be used between the bolt 100 (e.g., on thedeformable-bolt head component 150) and the objects 300 a, 300 b (seeFIGS. 3A-3D) to be bolted together to enable and/or aid in facilitatingthe central body portion 155 to rotate relative to the objects 300 a,300 b and increase the clamping force and facilitate the deformation orplasticization of the central body portion 155 in the inwardly taperedrecess 139 of the reinforced head 110.

In some implementations, the deformable-bolt head component 150 has ageneral “flying saucer” shape that is formed symmetrically about atransverse plane. As best shown in FIG. 1C, the inclined front face 172and the inclined rear face 174 are both at angles of α and β,respectively, relative to horizontal and/or relative to the outer flange170. As shown, the angles α and β are each about one hundred and fiftydegrees. Alternatively, in some implementations, the angles α and β canbe any angle between about ninety degrees and about one hundred andeighty degrees (e.g., about 90 degrees, about 100 degrees, about 110degrees, about 120 degrees, about 130 degrees, about 140 degrees, about150 degrees, about 160 degrees, about 170 degrees, about 180 degrees,etc.). More preferably, each of the angles α and β is between about onehundred degrees and about one hundred and seventy degrees. While theangles α and β are shown as being the same, the angles α and β candifferent. For example, the angle α can be about one hundred and thirtydegrees and the angle β can be about one hundred and sixty degrees. Anycombination of different angles α and β is contemplated. In somealternative implementations, the angles α and β can be any angle betweenabout ninety degrees and about two hundred and seventy degrees.

Alternatively to the deformable-bolt head component 150 having a general“flying saucer” shape formed by the inclined front face 172 and theinclined rear face 174 being at angles α and β between ninety degreesand one hundred and eighty degrees, the deformable-bolt head component150 can have an inverted central body portion (not shown) that isinverted on the front face and/or inverted on the rear face. In suchalternative implementations, the angles α and β are greater than onehundred and eighty degrees. For example, a deformable-bolt headcomponent can have an inverted front face (not shown) and an invertedrear face (not shown) at angles α and β between about one hundred andeighty-one degrees and about two hundred and five degrees. According tosome such implementations where the deformable-bolt head component isinverted, the inwardly tapered recess 139 of the reinforced head 110 canbe altered from (i) extending from the front surface 132 of the angledcollar 130 into the reinforced head 110 and towards the front surface122 of the main-bolt head 120 to (ii) extending out of the reinforcedhead 110 away from the front surface 122 of the main-bolt head 120(e.g., an outwardly tapered recess).

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, thedeformable-bolt head component 150 and/or the central body portion 155has a height that is about one-third the height of a standard bolt head(e.g., between about 0.07 inches and about 0.33 inches, about 0.066inches, about 0.08 inches, about 0.11 inches, about 0.15 inches, about0.33 inches, etc.). In some implementations, the height of the centralbody portion 155 can be in the range from about one-half of the heightof a single thread to about 95% of the height of the main-bolt head 120plus the height of the angled collar 130. In some implementations, thedeformable-bolt head component 150 and/or the central body portion 155has a height that is between about one percent and about ninety-fivepercent of a total height of the main-bolt head 120 plus the height ofthe angled collar 130 (e.g., about one percent, about two percent, aboutfive percent, about ten percent, about twenty percent, about twenty-fivepercent, about thirty percent, about thirty-five percent, about fortypercent, about forty-five percent, about ninety-five percent, etc.).More preferably, the deformable-bolt head component 150 and/or thecentral body portion 155 has a height that is between about five percentand about thirty-five percent of the total height of the main-bolt head120 plus the height of the angled collar 130. Any combination ofdifferent heights for the deformable-bolt head component 150, themain-bolt head 120, and the angled collar 130 is contemplated.

The front surface 152 of the deformable-bolt head component 150 is theforward most surface of the reinforced head 110 of the bolt 100 that ispositioned to engage the objects 300 a, 300 b (see FIGS. 3A-3D) to bebolted together (e.g., between the reinforced head 110 and the nut 200),which limits the axial movement of the deformable-bolt head component150 during installation of the bolt 100.

The outer surface 156 of the deformable-bolt head component 150 isconfigured to be engaged by the tool (not shown), in the same fashion asthe outer surface 126 of the main-bolt head 120. As best shown in FIGS.1A and 1B, the outer surface 156 of the deformable-bolt head component150 is shaped such that the deformable-bolt head component 150 has agenerally hexagonal outer cross-section, but other shapes for the outersurface 156 are contemplated such that the tool can engage the bolt 100in a non-rotational fashion (e.g., the tool can cause the bolt 100 torotate relative to the nut 200, vice versa).

The interior threaded bore 160 of the deformable-bolt head component 150forms a plurality of turns of an internal thread 162 therein (FIGS.1A-1C). As shown, the internal thread 162 of the deformable-bolt headcomponent 150 has the same pitch and depth as the external thread 142 ofthe threaded shaft 140 such that the deformable-bolt head component 150can be readily threaded onto (i.e., screwed on) the threaded shaft 140of the bolt 100 (e.g., during assembly/creation of the bolt 100). Asbest shown in FIG. 1C, the interior threaded bore 160 forms about twocomplete turns of the internal thread 162 therein. Alternatively, theinterior threaded bore 160 forms between about 0.125 turns and about 200turns of the internal thread 162 therein. More preferably, the interiorthreaded bore 160 forms between about 0.5 turns and about 4 turns of theinternal thread 162 therein. In some implementations, the interiorthreaded bore 160 forms less than three complete turns of the internalthread 162 therein. In some implementations, the interior threaded bore160 forms less than two complete turns of the internal thread 162therein. In some implementations, the interior threaded bore 160 formsless than one complete turn of the internal thread 162 therein.

The outer flange 170 of the deformable-bolt head component 150 isrelatively thinner than the central body portion 155 of thedeformable-bolt head component 150 such that the outer flange 170 isable to act as a pivot and/or fulcrum point for the central body portion155 to deform/plasticize about during installation of the bolt 100 inconjunction with the nut 200 and the objects 300 a, 300 b. In someimplementations, the outer flange 170 of the deformable-bolt headcomponent 150 has a first elastic modulus and the rest of thedeformable-bolt head component 150 has a second elastic modulus that isgreater than the first elastic modulus. In some implementations, theouter flange 170 has a thickness between about 0.0004 inches and about12 inches. More preferably, the outer flange 170 has a thickness betweenabout 0.002 inches and about 0.5 inches. In some implementation, theouter flange 170 has a thickness that is between about 10 percent toabout 80 percent of a maximum/total height of the deformable-bolt headcomponent 150. More preferably, the outer flange 170 has a thicknessthat is between about 15 percent to about 30 percent of themaximum/total height of the deformable-bolt head component 150.

As best shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the outer flange 170 extends outwardlyfrom the central body portion 155 such that the entirety of the outersurface 156 of the deformable-bolt head component 150 is co-planar withthe entirety of the outer surface 126 of the main-bolt head 120 and theentirety of the outer surface 136 of the angled collar 130 (i.e., aboutthe entire circumference of the reinforced head 110).

Alternatively, the outer flange 170 extends outwardly from the centralbody portion 155 such that only a portion of the outer surface 156 ofthe deformable-bolt head component 150 is co-planar with the outersurface 126 of the main-bolt head 120 and the outer surface 136 of theangled collar 130. For example, if the outer surface 156 has an outercircular cross-section with a diameter equal to a minimum width of themain-bolt head 120, then only tangential portions of the outer surface156 of the deformable-bolt head component 150 would be co-planar withthe outer surface 126 of the main-bolt head 120 and the outer surface136 of the angled collar 130.

In another alternative implementation, the outer flange 170 extendsoutwardly such that none of the outer surface 156 of the deformable-bolthead component 150 is co-planar with the outer surface 126 of themain-bolt head 120 and the outer surface 136 of the angled collar 130(e.g., when a maximum outer diameter of the deformable-bolt headcomponent 150 is less than a minimum outer diameter of the main-bolthead 120). In some such implementations where none of the outer surface156 is co-planar with the outer surface 126 and the outer surface 136,the tool engaging the bolt 100 during installation would not directlyengage the deformable-bolt head component 150. Further, in some suchimplementations where none of the outer surface 156 is co-planar withthe outer surface 126 and the outer surface 136, the outer flange 170and the front surface 132 of the angled collar 130 form an undercut (notshown).

In a further alternative implementation, at least a portion of the outerflange 170 extends outwardly past the outer surface 126 of the main-bolthead 120 and/or the outer surface 136 of the angled collar 130 (e.g.,when a maximum outer diameter of the deformable-bolt head component 150is greater than a maximum outer diameter of the main-bolt head 120). Insome such alternative implementations, a portion of the outer flange 170forms a flange (not shown) of the reinforced head 110. Such a flange ofthe reinforced head 110 can have any shaped cross-section, such as, forexample, ring, annulus, circular, hexagonal, oval, square, triangular,etc., or any combination thereof. In some such implementations where theat least a portion of the outer flange 170 extends outwardly past theouter surface 126 of the main-bolt head 120 and/or the outer surface 136of the angled collar 130, the tool engaging the bolt 100 duringinstallation would not engage the deformable-bolt head component 150 ina non-rotational manner, but rather abuts the flange to aid inpreventing the tool from sliding and/or popping off of the reinforcedhead 110 during installation.

To assemble the bolt 100 from its unassembled or exploded state (FIG.1A-1C) into its assembled state (FIG. 2A-2C), the angled collar 130 ispositioned about the threaded shaft 140 such that the opposing backsurface 134 of the angled collar 130 abuts/contacts the front surface122 of the main-bolt head 120. With the angled collar 130 abutting(e.g., touching) the front surface 122, the angled collar 120 is fixed(e.g., welded, glued, soldered, etc.) to the main-bolt head 120, therebyforming the inwardly tapered recess 139 of the reinforced head 110.Then, the deformable-bolt head component 150 is threaded onto thethreaded shaft 140 until the outer flange 170 of the deformable-bolthead component 150 abuts the front surface 132 of the angled collar 130.As such, a relief space 180 (FIGS. 2C and 3A) is generally formedbetween a portion of the deformable-bolt head component 150, a portionof the angled collar 130, and a portion of the threaded shaft 140. Withthe outer flange 170 abutting (e.g., touching) the front surface 132 ofthe angled collar 130, the deformable-bolt head component 150 is fixed(e.g., welded, glued, soldered, etc.) to the angled collar 130, therebycompleting the reinforced head 110 (e.g., prior to being installed).

Alternatively to the deformable-bolt head component 150 being fixed tothe angled collar 130, the outer flange 170 of the deformable-bolt headcomponent 150 is not fixed to the angled collar 130, such that thedeformable-bolt head component 150 remains free to rotate about thethreaded bolt shaft 140 relative to the angled collar 130 and relativeto the main-bolt head 120. In some such implementations, thedeformable-bolt head component 150 rotates relative to the angled collar130 during installation of the bolt 100, but at some point duringinstallation, the deformable-bolt head component 150 stops rotatingunder the preload pressure and then deforms as described herein.

As best shown in FIG. 2C, the relief space 180 is formed as a generallyannular space bounded by (i) the threaded shaft 140, (ii) the angledinner surface 138 of the angled collar 130, and (iii) a portion of theouter flange 170, the inclined rear face 174 (FIG. 1C), and the backsurface 154 (FIG. 1C). The relief space 180 provides an area for thedeformable-bolt head component 150 to deform into (e.g., elasticallyflow via plastic deformation) during installation of the bolt 100 inconjunction with the nut 200 and the objects 300 a, 300 b (as shown inFIGS. 3A-3D). In some implementations, the central body portion 155 ofthe deformable-bolt head component 150 deforms into (e.g., elasticallyflow via plastic deformation) the relief space 180. In someimplementations, a portion of the outer flange 170 also deforms into(e.g., elastically flow via plastic deformation) the relief space 180.

The outer flange 170 can be permanently and/or non-rotationallyattached/fixed to the main-bolt head 120 via the angled collar 130 viawelding, soldering (e.g., silver soldered), gluing, sonic-welding, etc.or any combination of attachment methods such that the deformable-bolthead component 150, the angled collar 130, and the main-bolt head 120cannot rotate (e.g., about the central axis X_(c) of the bolt 100)relative to one another. According to some implementations of thepresent disclosure, the main-bolt head 120, the angled collar 130, andthe deformable-bolt head component 150 become an integral unit (e.g.,once attached together) such that rotating the main-bolt head 120 (e.g.,during installation of the bolt 100) causes a corresponding/identicalrotation of the angled collar 130 and the deformable-bolt head component150.

Generally, during installation of the bolt 100 in conjunction with thenut 200 and the objects 300 a, 300 b, the amount of the relief space 180is reduced. As best shown in the pre-installation (e.g., pre-torqueingof the bolt 100 that causes deformation of the deformable-bolt headcomponent 150) configuration in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3A-3B, a first portionof the deformable-bolt head component 150 is contained in the inwardlytapered recess 139 (FIGS. 1B and 1C) of the reinforced head 110. Afterinstallation of the bolt 100 in conjunction with the nut 200 and theobjects 300 a, 300 b (FIGS. 3A-3D), a second portion of thedeformable-bolt head component 150 is contained in the inwardly taperedrecess 139 of the reinforced head 110, wherein the second portion of thedeformable-bolt head component 150 has a larger volume than the firstportion of the deformable-bolt head component 150. Similarly, due to thedeformation of the deformable-bolt head component 150 duringinstallation, the deformable-bolt head component 150 has a first shape(e.g., a flying saucer-type shape) prior to installation of the bolt 100in conjunction with the nut 200 and the objects 300 a, 300 b and adifferent second shape (e.g., a flattened on one-side flying saucer-typeshape, such as on the front face 172) after installation of the bolt 100in conjunction with the nut 200 and the objects 300 a, 300 b.

Now referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, a method of securing the bolt 100 with thenut 200 to the objects 300 a, 300 b is described. Initially, thethreaded bolt shaft 140 is positioned through an opening in objects 300a, 300 b such that a portion of the threaded bolt shaft 140 protrudesfrom the opening and such that the front surface 152 of thedeformable-bolt head component 150 abuts a surface 301 a of the object300 a (best shown in FIG. 3B). Then the nut 200 is threaded onto theportion of the threaded bolt shaft 140 protruding from the opening byrotating the nut 200 in a first rotational direction (as shown in FIGS.3A-3D as being clockwise, but could be counterclockwise in otherimplementations). This rotation of the nut 200 causes the nut 200 tomove axially in the direction of arrow B towards a surface 301 b of theobject 300 b and towards the reinforced head 110 of the bolt 100. Thenut 200 is continued to be rotated on the portion of the threaded boltshaft 140 until a front surface of the nut 200 abuts and/or firstcontacts the surface 301 b of the object 300 b. As such, the frontsurface 152 of the deformable-bolt head component 150 abuts and/or issnug against the surface 301 a of the object 300 a and the nut 200 abutsand/or is snug against the surface 301 b of the object 300 b as shown inFIG. 3B (i.e., prior to torqueing).

Then rotational torque is applied to the bolt 100 and/or the nut 200(e.g., using one or more tools and/or one or more torque wrenches). Insome implementations, the reinforced head 110 of the bolt 100 is heldgenerally stationary (e.g., via a tool) and a rotational torque isapplied to the nut 200 in a rotational direction (e.g., clockwise),thereby torqueing the bolt/nut fastener. In some other implementations,the nut 200 is held generally stationary (e.g., via a tool) and arotational torque is applied to the reinforced head 110 of the bolt 100in a rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise), thereby torqueingthe bolt/nut fastener. In yet some other implementations, a firstrotational torque is applied to the nut 200 in a first rotationaldirection (e.g., clockwise) and a second rotational torque is applied tothe bolt 100 in a second rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise),thereby torqueing the bolt/nut fastener.

The above described torqueing (e.g., of the bolt 100, of the nut 200, orboth) causes the main-bolt head 120 to move axially in the direction ofarrow A and further causes the deformable-bolt head component 150 todeform (e.g., the central body portion 155 deforms, the outer flange 170deforms, or both). As the deformable-bolt head component 150 deforms, aportion of the deformable-bolt head component 150 (e.g., a portion ofthe central body portion 155, a portion of the outer flange 170, or acombination thereof) enters into the relief space 180 formed between thedeformable-bolt head component 150, the angled collar 130, and themain-bolt head 120.

As shown by a comparison of FIGS. 3B and 3C, the deformable-bolt headcomponent 150 has started to deform and enter into the relief space 180.Further, as shown by a comparison of FIGS. 3C and 3D, thedeformable-bolt head component 150 deformed even more with more of thedeformable-bolt head component 150 entered into the relief space 180. Inaddition to the deformable-bolt head component 150 entering into therelief space 180, the surface 301 a impedes and/or prevents thedeformable-bolt head component 150 from moving in the direction of arrowA, which results in the front surface 152 and/or the inclined front face172 flattening out, which can be seen by comparing FIG. 3B (prior totorqueing and not flattened) with FIG. 3D (after torqueing andflattened). More specifically, in some implementations, the inclinedfront face 172 flattens out, which changes angle α from about onehundred and fifty degrees to about one hundred and eighty degrees (e.g.,essentially flat/co-planar with the outer flange 170 and/or horizontal).

Generally, when the bolt 100 is installed, the deformable-bolt headcomponent 150 locks and compresses into the inwardly tapered recess 139,thereby (i) reinforcing and strengthening the coupling between thethreaded shaft 140 and the reinforced head 110 and (ii) redirectingtorsional and pressure forces to the main-bolt head 120 for a wider loaddistribution. Specifically, the deformation of the deformable-bolt headcomponent 150 (e.g., the deformation of the central body portion 155)during the torqueing causes the deformable-bolt head component 150 toaid in redistributing preload forces away from the head-shaft joint HSJand towards (i) an outer portion 121 (e.g., the portion of the main-bolthead 120 that overhangs the threaded shaft 140 and/or the portion thatcorresponds with the thickness of the angled collar 130) of themain-bolt head 120 and (ii) a portion of the external thread 142 of thethreaded shaft 140. Specifically, as best shown in the enlarged portionsof FIGS. 3C and 3D, the surface 301 a of the object 300 a imparts aforce on the front surface 152 of the deformable-bolt head component 150(e.g., due to the preload force caused by the torqueing of the bolt 100and the nut 200). This imparted force (e.g., preload force) isredirected from the head-shaft joint HSJ transmitted to (1) the outerportion 121 of the main-bolt head 120 via the flange 170 of thedeformable-bolt head component 150 and via the angled collar 130 and (2)the portion of the external thread 142 of the threaded shaft 140 via theinternal thread 162 of the deformable-bolt head component 150.

The bolt of the present disclosure performs better than a standard bolt(i.e., a bolt without a deformable-bolt head component as describedherein). Specifically, a bolt incorporating the deformable-bolt headcomponent can be torqued, without shearing or popping off its head, to arelatively higher value as compared to a standard bolt without thedeformable-bolt head component. For example, in some suchimplementations, the bolt 100 of the present disclosure can be torquedat least about twenty-five percent more as compared with a standard bolthaving a similar nominal size. In some other implementations, the bolt100 of the present disclosure can be torqued at least about fiftypercent more as compared with a standard bolt having a similar nominalsize. In some other implementations, the bolt 100 of the presentdisclosure can be torqued at least about one hundred percent more (i.e.,twice the torque) as compared with a standard bolt having a similarnominal size. Such a relatively higher torque results in acorrespondingly higher maximum applied clamp load of the bolt ascompared with a standard bolt.

It is to be understood that many modifications and variations may bedevised given the above description of the general principles of thepresent disclosure. It is intended that all such modifications andvariations be considered as within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, as defined in the following claims.

1. A bolt comprising: a main-bolt head having a recess; a threaded shaftextending from the main-bolt head, the threaded shaft having an externalthread wrapped therearound; and a deformable-bolt head component havingan outer flange and an interior threaded bore, wherein the outer flangeof the deformable-bolt head component is fixed to the main-bolt headsuch that a relief space is formed between the deformable-bolt headcomponent and the recess.
 2. The bolt of claim 1, wherein the interiorthreaded bore of the deformable-bolt head component is threadinglycoupled to the threaded shaft.
 3. The bolt of claim 1, wherein theinterior threaded bore of the deformable-bolt head component ispositioned about the thread wrapped around the threaded shaft.
 4. Thebolt of claim 1, wherein the threaded shaft extends from the main-bolthead at a head-shaft joint.
 5. The bolt of claim 4, wherein thedeformable-bolt head component aids in redistributing preload forcesduring installation of the bolt away from the head-shaft joint andtowards (i) an outer portion of the main-bolt head and (ii) a portion ofthe external thread of the threaded shaft.
 6. The bolt of claim 5,wherein the bolt is configured to be installed in conjunction with a nutthat threadingly engages the threaded shaft of the bolt, therebyresulting in the preload forces.
 7. The bolt of claim 6, wherein therelief space provides an area for the deformable-bolt head component todeform into during installation of the bolt with the nut.
 8. The bolt ofclaim 6, wherein, prior to installation of the bolt with the nut, afirst portion of the deformable-bolt head component is contained in therecess of the main-bolt head, and wherein, after installation of thebolt with the nut, a second portion of the deformable-bolt headcomponent is contained in the recess of the main-bolt head. 9.(canceled)
 10. The bolt of claim 1, wherein the interior threaded boreof the deformable-bolt head component forms less than three turns of aninternal thread therein.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The bolt of claim 1, whereinthe recess is an inwardly tapered recess that extends from a frontsurface of the main-bolt head towards an opposing back surface of themain-bolt head.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The bolt of claim 1, wherein therecess is a concave recess that extends from a front surface of themain-bolt head towards an opposing back surface of the main-bolt head.15. The bolt of claim 1, wherein the outer flange of the deformable-bolthead component has a first elastic modulus and the rest of thedeformable-bolt head component has a second elastic modulus that isgreater than the first elastic modulus.
 16. A bolt comprising: amain-bolt head having (i) a front surface, (ii) an opposing backsurface, (iii) an outer surface configured to be engaged by a tool torotate the bolt about a central axis of the bolt shaft thereby causingthe main-bolt head to move axially in a first direction towards anobject, and (iv) a recess in the front surface extending into themain-bolt head towards the opposing back surface; a threaded shaftextending from the main-bolt head at a head-shaft joint, the threadedshaft having an external thread wrapped therearound; and adeformable-bolt head component having (i) a front surface configured toengage the object thereby limiting axial movement of the deformable-bolthead component, (ii) an opposing back surface, (iii) an outer surface,(iv) an interior threaded bore forming at least a portion of a turn ofan internal thread therein, and (v) an outer flange, wherein theinterior threaded bore of the deformable-bolt head component isthreadingly coupled to the threaded shaft and wherein the outer flangeof the deformable-bolt head component is attached to the front surfaceof the main-bolt head such that a relief space is formed between thedeformable-bolt head component and the recess, the relief spaceproviding an area for the deformable-bolt head component to deform intoduring installation of the bolt.
 17. The bolt of claim 16, wherein thedeformable-bolt head component aids in redistributing preload forcesduring installation of the bolt away from the head-shaft joint andtowards (i) an outer portion of the main-bolt head and (ii) a portion ofthe external thread of the threaded shaft.
 18. The bolt of claim 17,wherein the bolt is configured to be installed in conjunction with a nutthat threadingly engages the threaded shaft of the bolt, therebyresulting in the preload forces.
 19. The bolt of claim 18, wherein thedeformable-bolt head component has a first shape prior to installationof the bolt with the nut and a different second shape after installationof the bolt.
 20. The bolt of claim 18, wherein the deformable-bolt headcomponent deforms during installation of the bolt with the nut byflowing into the relief space.
 21. The bolt of claim 16, wherein theinterior threaded bore of the deformable-bolt head component forms lessthan three complete turns of the internal thread therein. 22-23.(canceled)
 24. The bolt of claim 16, wherein the internal thread of thedeformable-bolt head component is timed with the external thread of thethreaded shaft.
 25. The bolt of claim 16, wherein the front surface ofthe main-bolt head is welded to the outer flange of the deformable-bolthead component.
 26. The bolt of claim 16, wherein the recess is anannular inwardly tapered recess. 27-43. (canceled)
 44. A bolt having areinforced head, the bolt comprising: a main-bolt head; a collar fixedto the main-bolt head such that the collar forms a recess of thereinforced head; a threaded shaft extending from the main-bolt head andthrough the collar, the threaded shaft having an external thread wrappedtherearound; and a deformable-bolt head component having an outer flangeand an interior threaded bore, the outer flange of the deformable-bolthead component being coupled to the collar such that a relief space ofthe reinforced head is formed between the deformable-bolt head componentand the recess.
 45. The bolt of claim 44, wherein the outer flange ofthe deformable-bolt head component is fixed to the collar such that theouter flange cannot rotate relative to the collar.
 46. The bolt of claim44, wherein the collar has an inner surface that is a concave innersurface, a convex inner surface, an angled inner surface, an irregularinner surface, or any combination thereof.
 47. (canceled)